Spectrum Newspaper 9/25/24

REPORTING CAMPUS NEWS SINCE 1983

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2024

VOLUME 53, ISSUE 3

SHU Students Hack the Constitution in Annual Event “One of the main aspects that brought up the idea was the current election.

Everyone I spoke to felt like they had no Hack the Constitution, an event hosted by choice but to choose who they hated less the Sacred Heart University Political Science or not vote at all because they felt like and Global Affairs Department, was held on their vote wouldn’t make a difference,” Sept. 17. Students presented their Constitution said Maram. “Essentially it all led to my “hacks” to a room full of faculty and peers. idea of updating term limits to have a The competing students shared their ideas wider spectrum of opportunity for more regarding the best course of action to change leaders to act in representing the people.” the United States Constitution. A panel of Maram credits some of her arguments three judges and audience members then to the cultural and social shifts present in asked follow-up questions. the U.S. “This is part of the University’s celebration “Our society is constantly evolving, of Constitution Day, so our primary goal is to so the people who are meant to represent draw attention to the continued relevance and us should also reflect that and mirror our importance of the U.S. Constitution,” said Dr. ever-changing environment,” Maram said.

Steven Michels, Political Science and Global Maram may have been the winner Affairs Department Chair. of the competition, but the other three “We’re also hoping to highlight the way Insagram, @sacredheartuniversity in which our government and politics could Political science students that participated in this year's "Hack the Constitution" students presented their arguments with conviction, as well. considered how old it actually is. I felt like there be improved.”

Sophomore Olivia Yessis and junior Elle With multiple topics of discussion, each was definitely deep-rooted conflict in comparison student had a different justification for their to our modern-day world,” said sophomore and Yurkstas were the only pair to participate in Hack the Constitution as a team. competitor Aaid Maram. proposals.

“When making my ‘hack’ I wanted to Maram ended up winning the event and took “When thinking about the surrounding question on revising the Constitution, I mainly several factors into consideration when forming See HACK THE CONSTITUTION continued on pg. 2 her hacks.

BY HUNTER SANCETTA Staff Writer

Big Red Wants You to Vote

BY SAMANTHA MADIGAN Staff Writer

As the 2024 Presidential election looms closer, Sacred Heart University is taking action to encourage voter registration among students.

In addition to campus organizations such as the Pioneer Vote club, the university seeks to promote voting through Get Out the Vote (GOTV) organization and a No Vote: No Voice registration drive that took place on Saturday, Sept. 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m on 63’s lawn.

The No Vote: No Voice event provided paper ballots for student use and offered logo bracelets as an incentive for attendance.

Sacred Heart is offers different initiatives around campus that promote education and open conversation about politics, such as clubs like SHU College

For more...

P. 3

Democrats, SHU College Republicans and Pioneer Vote.

“Pioneer Vote is a bipartisan organization dedicated to educating students on the importance of civic engagement.

We foster a judgment-free zone no matter your political beliefs,” said senior Rebecca Brower, President of Pioneer Vote.

Brower explained that although Connecticut is a blue state, students with opposing opinions should not consider that an excuse not to vote.

“Connecticut may be a blue state now, but it might not always be. If people don’t vote, we will never see any positive change or accurate representation. We all get a say in the decisions being made in the country,” Brower said.

It isn’t just student-run See BIG RED WANTS YOU TO VOTE continued on pg. 2

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FEATURES | PAGE 3 WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS, THE LEMON CLUB GIVES BACK

What Is A Colloquium Anyway?

P. 5

BY ALANNA PARRILLO Staff Writer

Sacred Heart University’s Human Journey Colloquia Series for the fall semester is scheduled to begin on Oct. 2 in SHU’s Martire Center Loris Forum.

The series occurs weekly and offers students intellectual conversations that often feature guest speakers. Topics discussed in the series include subjects relevant to college students and the world in general.

“The Colloquia are intended to accompany the Seminars to demonstrate to students how the Catholic Intellectual Tradition reaches across all disciplines, professions and contemporary issues,” said Dr. Michelle Loris, Catholic Studies Director.

The Human Journey Colloquia aim to engage any of the four big

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CAMPUS LIFE | PAGE 5 SO JULIA! FASHION ON CAMPUS

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Instagram, @sacredheartuniversity

Chapel of the Holy Spirit, where the first colloquium of this semester was held.

questions: What does it mean to be human and what is my relationship with God?, What does it mean to live a life of meaning and purpose?, What is my relationship with the natural world?, and What does it mean to form a more just society for the common good?

See WHAT IS A COLLOQUIUM ANYWAY? continued on pg. 2

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DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PERFORMING ARTS STUDENT

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2 | News

Hack the Consitution

BY HUNTER SANCETTA Staff Writer

CONTINUED FROM PG 1

choose a topic that had an overarching effect on the American people. That’s why I went with the addition of civic education in schools as it deserves just as much emphasis as math or science,” said Yessis.

“I feel that people should be able to understand their federal government and be excited to participate in it civically,” she said.

The presentations all varied from student to student, specifically on what their end goal was.

“Looking at the other presentations, it was interesting to see how some focused on our structural changes like term limits while I was more about educating the next generation. This allowed me to gain insight into other topics and refine my own,” said Yessis.

While there were clear differences in ideology, the students remained supportive each other. Each team cheered and clapped for their fellow competitors.

“Overall, it was an amazing experience to be able to converse with other politically-driven people,” said Yessis.

Hack The Constitution was viewed as a success, invoking lots of engaging discourse between faculty and students.

“The event is also an opportunity to showcase the outstanding majors in political science and other fields, especially with regard to their civic mindedness and creativity,” said Michels.

UPCOMING EVENTS ON CAMPUS WEDNESDAY 9/25: COFFEEHOUSE LITTLE THEATRE AT 7:00 P.M. SATURDAY 9/28: FALL GOSPEL CONCERT CHAPEL AT 4:00 P.M. SATURDAY 9/28: FOOD TRUCK MONDAY 63’S PATIO AT 5:00 P.M.

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

News

September 25, 2024

Big Red Wants You to Vote

BY SAMANTHA MADIGAN Staff Writer

CONTINUED FROM PG 1

“We are all spending around four years in Fairfield, no matter where you are from. Students should want to be a part of what’s happening in our community,” said Brower. “I want students to realize they need to educate themselves on which candidate will improve our lives and the country as a whole.”

Through Pioneer Vote and registration drives, Sacred Heart continues to encourage civic engagement. Though not everyone feels they can share their opinions freely without judgment on campus, Pioneer Vote is trying to spread the word that no one can take your voice away at the polls.

“The Pioneer Journey calls for challenging conversations about important issues, the celebration and discussion of new ideas, while respecting the dignity of others. I hope you all will get out there on November 5 and exercise your right to vote,” said Petillo.

organizations emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming election. President Dr. John Petillo is encouraging students to go out and vote.

“It is critical for you to vote as it is a chance to influence issues and decisions that directly affect your lives,” said Petillo. “You should make sure you are registered and vote every year, but the current election encompasses issues that will directly impact your lives. These [issues] include education policies, student loans, climate change and more.”

Sophomore Alexa Gardner said that she feels comfortable sharing her beliefs at SHU. “It is easy to share my beliefs at a school where people prioritize their relationships over contradicting opinions and want to hear what you have to say” she said.

However, not all students feel the atmosphere is welcoming enough for them to speak up.

“I could have a best friend for years but now in this political climate having different views tears people apart,” said junior Kameron O’Hara.

Petillo feels that it is vital for SHU students to be connected to the community that will be their home for the next four years.

“We are a part of the surrounding communities. There are things that happen in local elections that could impact you. It’s important to learn about what those issues Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University are. As a student body, your collective voice An event hosted by PioneerVote last year at the Loris Forum. is incredibly powerful,” said Petillo.

What Is A Colloquium Anyway?

BY ALANNA PARRILLO Staff Writer

CONTINUED FROM PG 1

The series has been a reoccurrence at SHU since the Human Journey Seminars: Great Books in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition were founded and offered as SHU’s CIT 201 and CIT 202 courses.

All students at SHU are required to take these courses as part of the university’s general curriculum. Some professors on campus incorporate the series into their curriculums for the semester.

“After attending Colloquia, I ask students to reflect on how the presentations uniquely connect to their lives. Then, students share their connections with the class to start seminar discussion,” said Professor Elizabeth Nsadha, who teaches CIT courses at SHU. “Together we relate this to the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, readings we have covered, and current events,” Nsadha said.

On Oct. 2 at 2 p.m. the series will kick off for the semester with a colloquium entitled “The Youth Vote.” In the following weeks, the series will hold “The Synod: What Happened? What Didn’t Happen? What’s Next” on Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. and on Nov. 5 at 3:30 p.m. a “Learn to Intern” Colloquia will be held.

During the spring 2024 semester, some outstanding colloqium events included “Taylor Swift, Gender, and the Media” and “This is My Jail.”

“Taylor Swift, Gender, and the Media”

explored how gender plays a role in the public persona and media construction of Taylor Swift, while the “This is My Jail” featured a guest speaker, Melanie Newport of the University of Connecticut, who discussed race and the history of politics and incarceration in the United States.

“I’ve been to a few Colloquiums for my CIT classes and my favorite by far was the ‘Where Will SHU Take You?’ Colloquium because I was able to hear about other student’s post-grad plans and think more accordingly about my future after I graduate from SHU,” said senior Meg Taylor.

“Although I was required to go to this Colloquium as part of my CIT class, I ended up really enjoying it. Since then, I have been to quite a few and feel as though all of them have benefitted me in one way or another,” Taylor said.

In addition to its Human Journey Colloquia Series, SHU also grants students the opportunity to further their education through its Catholic Studies minor.

According to SHU’s Catholic Studies webpage, “The minor in Catholic Studies provides students not only with a broad-based interdisciplinary study of the Catholic Intellectual Tradition, but also fosters the development of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and moral and ethical understanding employers seek in today’s college graduates.”

For more information regarding when and where colloquia series events are being held, visit the Pioneer Planner campus calendar at https:// sacredheart.emscloudservice.com/calendar/ MasterCalendar.aspx

September 25, 2024

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Features

Features | 3

63’s Gets Summer Makeover

BY KAYLA FALLARINO-FORTE Staff Writer

Sacred Heart University’s 63’s dining hall went under renovation this past June. 63’s is known for its all-you-care-to-eat buffet-style setup, which now offers a new design and layout.

Construction began in mid-June, just after freshman orientation, and was completed the week before the fall 2024 semester began. The last time the dining hall was renovated was 12 years ago. Since then, the student population has grown exponentially, meaning it was time for the dining hall to receive an update.

SHU Dining Marketing Director, Danielle Bahr, said the space now offers a greater variety of dining options for students, with a new layout allowing for a more “communal” feel. 63’s will also have a promotional space for marketing opportunities as well as a new SHU celebrity chef series, where chefs get to showcase their meals.

“We added an additional salad bar, increasing options from three to four wells. We moved our soup well to be more accessible to students. We added an additional pantry inside of the seating area, offering Daniel Greene, Staff Photographer bagels, spreads, Sacred Heart students enjoying dinner in the renovated 63's, sitting at assorted cereal new tables and chairs. and waffles,” said Bahr. “A new TV will be installed next week for students, a new seating concept for a more communal feel for students, upgraded nook area for new cooktops and cold wells to showcase our new SHU celebrity chef series or any marketing promotions.”

Bahr also said the renovations include a new allergy-conscious station, called Delicious Without, as well as a dedicated dessert area for “sweet treats.”

“We are very happy with what renovations were accomplished in a short amount of construction time. The new seating design has increased student

Daniel Greene, Staff Photographer

Sacred Heart students utilizing the salad bar at the newly renovated 63's dining hall.

seating capacity, something that was very much needed,” said Bahr.

According to Bahr, the renovations have received positive feedback from students, faculty and staff alike.

Sophomore Juliana Strippoli said the updated seating arrangements enhance the space and that the renovations allow the dining hall to feel more welcoming and modern.

“I do love the new set up of 63’s and the new tables, and I love how the couches are now replaced with high-top tables. It makes the room way more up to date. The new color scheme is also way more modernized and inviting,” said Strippoli.

Sophomore Averi Wurst, a member of the SHU cheerleading team, said that after practice the thing she “looks forward to most” is a sweet treat and some chit-chat at 63’s with her team.

“There is no better way to spend a post-practice than bonding with my fellow teammates and sitting at either the booths or high-top tables and catching up,” said Wurst. “We spend hours there sitting, talking, and completing our schoolwork.”

Sophomore Maria Esposito said the new layout and upgraded “sweet treat station” help to attract more students, like herself, to eat at 63’s.

“The new renovations have made the room look cleaner and modernized.

I love the new breakfast set up in the dining room. After dinner, I love going to the sweet treat station,” said Esposito. “I have gone to 63’s way more this semester compared to my freshman year. I am excited to continue to see what the new renovations at 63’s will bring this year to campus.”

Sara Haseney contributed to this article.

When Life Gives You Lemons, the Lemon Club Gives Back

BY MOIRA STAPLES Features Editor

This fall, a new club has started at Sacred Heart University. The Lemon Club is a student-run organization that partners with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) to raise money for childhood cancer research.

According to the organization’s website, ALSF began when, at four years old, Alex Shaw started a lemonade stand.

Shortly before her first birthday, Shaw had been diagnosed with a rare form of pediatric cancer called Neuroblastoma. After years of treatment, in 2000, Shaw decided that when she was out of the hospital, she would start a lemonade stand to raise money for kids like her. Until her passing in 2004, Shaw had raised over $1 million for cancer research. Since then, her parents took over, and ALSF is now the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the United States.

“Childhood cancer is obviously a big thing, but only four percent of funding Instagram, @shu_lemonclub goes towards it from the Sophomore Hayanna Silva, junior Angelina Katrivanos, and senior Nicole Case hosting the SHU Lemon Club's government,” said SHU Lemonade Stand Lemon Club Vice President

Hayanna Silva. “Obviously we are very grateful for the four percent, but it is truly not enough.”

ALSF’s main focus is on clinical trials and research, essentially finding less harmful treatments, besides radiation, for cancer. They also emphasize the importance of supporting families during these unimaginable times. According to their website, ALSF has helped support nearly 30,000 families through programs like Travel For Care, helping cover costs so families can access the treatments their children desperately need.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and SHU’s Lemon Club is participating in ALSF’s 12th Annual Million Mile fundraiser. The Million Mile is a month-long challenge where teams record how many miles they walk, run, bike, etc., and collect donations from pledges and supporters. The SHU Lemon Club has already surpassed its goal, raising just over $1,000 for childhood cancer research.

In addition to their participation in the Million Mile, the club plans to make cards and bracelets for kids in local hospitals and honor Alex’s memory with lemonade stands on campus. In the future, the club hopes to host other fundraising events on campus as well.

“We have a lot of freedom in what fundraising events we can do,” said Silva. “We have a lot of ideas, but being new, it is hard to get everything into place and our ideas are quite large. We are trying really hard and have a bunch of stuff that we are working on.”

Silva has been fundraising for cancer her whole life, growing up in and out of the hospital herself. She explained that while the money is necessary, it is equally important that the group brings awareness to childhood cancer and help those who are affected.

“It is hard to see it and hard to hear about it, but it’s even harder to live it. It affects everyone,” said Silva. “They are not just treating cancer, they are treating the child too.”

Meetings are held every other Wednesday at 8 p.m. in HC223, and all are welcome and encouraged to join. To stay updated with the Lemon Club, follow them on Instagram @shu_lemonclub.

Skylar Amirault contributed to this article.

4 | Campus Life

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

CampusLife

September 25, 2024

Matt Oestreicher: The Maestro of the Community Theatre

BY COLLIN MOURA Campus Life Editor

Matt Oestreicher, executive director of the Sacred Heart Community broadcast from a different planet.

Theatre, is creating a hub for creativity and entertainment at the “I got to work with will.i.am from the Black-Eyed Peas on a song university. that was played when the Mars rover landed. We were hired by NASA A Fairfield native, Oestreicher spent his childhood watching movies to create this song. When the Mars rover landed, it played to NASA and at the theatre’s downtown location on 1420 Post Rd. it played on Mars as well,” said Oestreicher. “It’s nice to be a small part “I grew up in Fairfield. I took classes at Sacred Heart when I was in of those cool moments and collaborations.” high school. My theatre to see movies as a kid was either the Trumbull Oestreicher has been a consistent presence at the Apollo Theatre mall or the community theatre, as it was known at the time,” said in Harlem, working as a keyboardist/guitarist/arranger for the Oestreicher. internationally acclaimed Wednesday night show, Amateur Night at the The SHU Community Theatre has been an integral piece of Fairfield Apollo. Established in 1934, the weekly event is widely known for its for over 100 years. First opened as a vaudeville house in 1920, the status as America’s longest running talent show. theatre was renovated and reopened through a joint effort by Sacred He said, “Through the Apollo, I’ve met Alicia Keys, Stevie Wonder, Heart University and Kleban Properties in May 2019.

Snoop Dogg, Jamie Foxx. It’s a real beacon, particularly of the African It now serves as a local hub American tradition, which for film screenings and live is a lot of the American entertainment, offering events musical tradition. From jazz for students and local residents artists like Ella Fitzgerald alike. who came through there “The theatre was always to Marvin Gaye, Michael part of my life and an important Jackson, James Brown, it place for me,” said Oestreicher. goes on and on. It’s shaped When Sacred Heart made the my view of what music can bold move to restore it and give be.” it a whole new life, I had just The theatre’s impact on moved back to Fairfield and got worldwide pop culture is very interested.” immense, playing a major Oestreicher became the role in the development of director of the theatre in 2021, jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, bringing his vast industry gospel, blues, soul and hip expertise and local knowledge hop. It stands as the largest to the role. performing arts venue As an impresario, producer dedicated to Black culture and musician, his career has and creativity, becoming Tracy Deer-Mirek, Sacred Heart University spanned a multitude of genres, Matt Oestreicher pictured onstage at the SHU Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield. the first cultural institution both on stage as a performer to ever receive a Kennedy and behind the scenes as a Center honors award this producer.

July.

He began his journey in Boston, attending Tufts University and the “Every week I go there, I can’t believe I’m there. A lot of what we do New England Conservatory of Music for dual degrees in liberal arts and there, I try to bring in small ways to the SHU Community Theatre in music.

Fairfield,” said Oestreicher.

“New England Conservatory was a great hub for musicians. People In 2022, he brought Joseph Gray, the Apollo’s opening act and head would come there to recruit,” said Oestreicher. “My first job was playing of stage for over 30 years, onto the Sacred Heart team. on a cruise ship all around Mexico and Hawaii. I was travelling the “The staff at the theatre is stocked with industry professionals, world and getting paid for it. I said, this is a great opportunity, I’m going people with long careers in the arts, and I think that’s what’s made the to follow it.” theatre able to do the 200 events a year we do now,” he said.

Follow it he certainly has. He has since worked on Broadway and With 13 different series currently running, the theatre presents appeared on TV shows such as The Today Show, The Macy’s Parade on everything from brand new blockbuster movies to classic rock NBC, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and the Wendy Williams Show. concerts. They take pride in their diversity of events offered, bringing Oestreicher has also performed on a number of globally recognized in performers and films from all over the world. The 500-seat theatre is tours, including Lady Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour and Weezer/Blink 182’s open Monday through Sunday and provides countless opportunities for reunion tour. students looking to get involved.

In 2018, he was awarded a “Man of Vision” honor by Rev. Al Sharpton “I want the students to know that all movies are free for students. and the National Action Network for his non-profit work empowering Our business is in collaborating and creating communities. When young artists from diverse backgrounds. students reach out to us, they want to check out a show, they want to One of his most memorable moments came on Aug. 28, 2012, when come in and work with us, they want to see how things work, we love the Curiosity rover played the will.i.am single “Reach for the Stars” via that and try to make it work with every student that reaches out,” said radio transmission on Mars. This was the first song in history to be Oestreicher. “We hope to be an artistic beacon for the community.”

Interested in contributing to Campus Life? Contact us at spectrum@sacredheart.edu

5 | Campus Life

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

CampusLife

September 25, 2024

So Julia! Fashion on Campus

BY EMMA RICOTTA

Assistant Campus Life Editor

Even though “Brat summer” has come to a close, that doesn’t mean students have given up fashion on campus.

From Charli XCX’s song “360,” “So Julia” emphasizes fashion, trends, and more. Check out what students below are wearing for some inspiration in your daily wardrobe!

6 | A&E

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

September 25, 2024

Arts & Entertainment Day in the Life of a Performing Arts Student

BY JENNA REYNOLDS Staff Writer

At Sacred Heart University (SHU), the Performing Arts Program comprises four cohorts: theatre, dance, band, and orchestra and choir.

As full-time students, participants in the Performing Arts Programs must learn how to balance their academic lives with their extracurricular activities in order to excel in both.

How does a full-time student with performing arts extracurriculars manage their time while doing the things they love?

Junior Derek Coady is the Band and Orchestra Orientation Leader and Vice President of Service for Kappa Kappa Psi, a national band/orchestra service fraternity. Coady is a computer science and mathematics double major, Classroom Learning Assistant and member of the SHU Innovate Club.

Coady dedicates several hours a day, two to four days a week, to band and orchestra responsibilities depending on the weekly rehearsal and game schedule.

“There are times where I can feel overwhelmed, but I have minimized that greatly,” said Coady.

He makes sure to dedicate time to friends and relaxation to minimize potential burnout. His key to maintaining balance is using his calendar.

“It gives me an outlet to visually see everything. It makes it very easy to manage what can look like too much at times,” said Coady.

Busy schedule and all, Coady emphasized the program’s impact.

“The experiences I have had has helped me grow into the person I am today, and I am forever grateful for what the program has done for me,” said Coady.

Theatre Arts Program (TAP) President and senior Juliana Balzano dedicates every day to TAP but also makes sure to tend to her academics.

“I focus on my classes first and once those end, I venture into the theatre world,” said Balzano. “There are times that I feel overwhelmed but when that happens, I make sure to take a couple steps back to make sure I am taking care of myself.”

Out of class, Balzano is either doing homework, preparing for shows or at her work-study job, with rehearsals taking up most nights.

Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University Balzano’s work-study is assisting Senior Katie Zimmer (center) pictured performing with Jerry Goehring, Executive Director of the Sacred Heart University Dance Company.

Performing Arts.

“I make sure that I have time for

self-care. From 10 o’clock onwards, I make sure not to do anything TAPrelated so I can wind down,” said Balzano.

Balzano said, without hesitation, that she would never start over without being involved.

“I met my best friends and my housemates through TAP. I have had really great leadership opportunities that will benefit me for years to come in my professional life,” said Balzano.

Orchestra President Eileen Duffy is a member of the Gospel Choir and the Irish Dance Ensemble along with being an active member of Kappa Kappa Psi. “There is not a day that goes by where you will not see me in the Contributed by Juliana Balzano performing arts wing at least once, President of the Theatre Arts Program, Juliana let alone multiple times,” said Duffy.

Balzano.

“I find the balance within the workload, personal life, and the performing arts program lies solely in the fact that I sincerely love what I do,” said Duffy. “The more you love what you do, the more you learn to love the challenge of balance.”

Senior Katie Zimmer is a member of two professional tracks of the Dance Company, SHU Mo(ve)ment and Inception Dance Crew. She also is a member of Phi Sigma Sigma Sorority, Pre-PT club, exercise science club and babysits for local families in Fairfield.

On most days, she has dance rehearsals for at least five hours.

“I made my Broadway debut in ‘Matilda the Musical’ when I was thirteen. Because of this passion, I am driven to take advantage of all the dance program has to offer and involve myself in everything I can,” said Zimmer.

Zimmer balances her workload by making sure to dedicate any free time she has to completing her schoolwork and “decompressing.”

“Even with the most commitment, there is still time to dedicate to myself, my family, my friends and my academics,” says Zimmer. “Having a busy schedule fuels me to be more productive in my free time and has me always looking forward to something whether it be to see my friends at rehearsal or to perform on stage at a show.”

Similar to her peers, Zimmer spoke highly of the impact of the performing arts program.

“I would never second guess my decision about being in the dance program,”

Zimmer said. “I have met my best friends here and developed connections with other classmates and choreographers that have shaped me into the person and dancer I am today.”

“Zine Culture: Communities and Continuance”

BY KAYLA HERRERA Staff Writer

On Sept. 12, a new exhibition, “Zine Culture: Communities & Continuance,” opened in the art gallery located in the Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts.

The exhibition showcases more than 35 zine publications and will be open until Oct. 28.

Visitors are encouraged not only to observe but to engage with the zines, browsing through the varying genres and connecting with the authors’ personal messages. The zines range in content and include works such as comics, think pieces, short stories, collections of drawings and political activism.

Professor Nathan Lewis, Chair of Art and Design and gallery director, was motivated to produce this exhibition for more than academic purposes. For him, the art of zine-making ties back to his experience growing up in California’s skate and BMX scene.

“Before I became a painter or an artist, one of my first creative acts was making a zine,” said Lewis. “I grew up in the BMX and skating scene in California, and some of my friends knew what a zine was. So, I sort of learned from a friend, who was really into metal and thrash, what a zine was, and we started making them.”

Zines, short for magazine, are a self-published medium popularly used within subcultures for decades. Written by one person or a small group, zines allow people in smaller circles to express and share their work as well as build community.

Prof. Luciana McClure, an adjunct professor in the Art and Design department, contributed a feminist newspring publication to the exhibition. Students from a Feminism & the Arts course she teaches at the University of Connecticut aided the piece. Over the course of a semester, McClure had her students investigate the history of decentralized publishing, which zines are a part of.

Throughout history, zines have been tied to the political landscape. Zinemaking provides a level of agency to the creator due to its self-published process.

“This is a way of voicing their frustration, creating visibility and asking for change,” said McClure.

Sacred Heart University (SHU) art student and senior Shea Sin drew inspiration for her publication from the social experiment Happy Valley Dream

Survey. The survey refers to an incident which occurred in Portland, Oregon between 2015 and 2019 in which posters began appearing on telephone poles throughout the city. According to Oregon Live, these posters stated there was a “spike in bizarre, unexplained dreams” and that the “Willamette Valley Dream Survey” was investigating.

“The zine is meant to be humorous, eerie, and slightly ominous,” said Sin. “The inspiration for most of my art is horror movies.”

Sin’s zine is just one example of the freedom enjoyed by artists who choose zines as their medium.

“I think zines are a great way to get your artwork out in the world. I also think it’s a great way to get your stories read and your voice heard,” said Sin. Currently, the gallery mainly showcases pre-existing zines by activists, comic artists, zine-makers and a few SHU students. However, Lewis is working on another event Camryn McCutcheon, Staff Photographer to specifically showcase zines made The Zine Culture art gallery located in the by the SHU community.

Edgerton Center for the Performing Arts.

“Neerzine” is the name of the next open call for students, artists, and anyone at the university interested in trying their hand at making a zine.

Neer, short for pioneer, and zine, short for magazine, is Lewis’s next attempt at spreading his passion for zine-making to students. The open call will include prompts for the artists, and submissions in the form of poetry, essays, music reviews, photos and drawings will be accepted until Oct. 1.

“So much can come from being willing to share ideas, thoughts, or opinions and being willing to put it out there,” said Lewis. “Everything I have comes from that.”

September 25, 2024

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Sports

7 | Sports

Field Hockey Stays Resilient Despite Slow Start to Season

Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University

Sacred Heart University’s field hockey team pictured on their Media Day located at West Campus.

BY SEBASTIAN DEGOLIER Staff Writer

The Sacred Heart University women’s field hockey team lost their home opener in an overtime shootout against Hofstra University.

The Pioneers’ only goal was scored by freshman Jenna Baxter, with an assist from junior Jaden Ray to tie the game and lead the women into overtime. Baxter’s goal was the first of her collegiate career. “[Baxter’s] such a positive person,” said Ray. “I love being that person that’s able to give opportunities to other players so when I was able to hit the ball and she scored I was just on top of the world.”

An undecided overtime was followed up with a shootout, where Hostrfra was able to take the game in the sixth round. This loss dropped the women’s record to 2-4, with three of the four losses being only a one-point difference.

“We lost to Drexel 2-1, we lost to Hofstra in a shootout, and we lost to Dartmouth 3-2, so we are in every single game and not getting smashed 6-0, 8-0,” said Head Coach Sydney Van Der Merwe. “At the moment, we are in a good spot going forward to where we want to be.”

Despite the losing record, senior Samantha Maresca agreed with the coach and felt confident about the start of the season.

“I don’t think losing our home opener is a reflection of the season at

all,” said Maresca. “I think we took all the good things and the bad things from those games and we are going to grow from them.”

Following the shootout loss, the Pioneers have faced off against two ivy leagues, losing to both Dartmouth University on Sept. 15 and Yale University on Sept. 20.

Now at a losing record of 2-6, Maresca still believes in her team and thinks they have a good shot for the rest of the season.

“We have always been a slower start type of team, and I think that this year we feel stronger now even with our losing record than we did at the end of last season after winning a championship,” said Maresca. “We’re all very excited and really looking forward to what the team can grow into this year.”

Van Der Merwe believes the women’s resilient effort is a product of the environment the players have built within the team.

“The team is very close, they are like a little family,” said Van Der Merwe. “We lost five or six seniors last year but within them leaving, the first years have filled their void. There’s no gap.”

The Pioneers will look to rely on their team environment and try for a win in Worcester, Mass., as they take on the Holy Cross Crusaders on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Sacred Heart Athletics contributed to this article.

Intramural Sports Open for Registration

BY ANDREW DAYTON Staff Writer

Sacred Heart University has opened registration for intramural sports for the fall semester; students can now create teams and compete in various sports such as basketball, soccer and flag football.

Students will be able to play sports at competitive levels while forming close bonds with teammates. Alex Faccenda, Assistant Director for club sports and intramurals, is excited about students being able to get involved.

“I think intramurals can bring students together who all share a common interest in competitive sports,” said Faccenda. “It is a great opportunity to meet people and get active in sports.”

All full-time undergraduates and graduates who obtain a gym membership are eligible to participate in intramurals. A list of sports is sent out each semester on the Sacred Heart Intramural Sports website, and students can play in any of the listed sports if the league does not fill up.

Players without a team can register as free agents, and Marco Sinapi, the intramural Graduate Assistant, can place them on a team.

“Free agents find new friend groups with other students with Andrew Dayton, Staff Photographer similar interest,” said Sinapi.

Students participating in intramural basketball at the “All are welcome.”

Valentine Health and Recreation Center.

According to the Sacred Heart Intramural Sports website, there are also smaller individual sporting events, such as a basketball three-point shooting contest and a hole-in-one challenge for golf.

Intramural games are expected to be competitive, but with good sportsmanship.

Players should be having fun while competing for a common goal.

Every intramural team makes the playoffs, which are single elimination games. The winning teams of each league will receive T-shirts as a prize.

Several students are thrilled about the leagues starting up again for another consecutive year.

“I think intramurals are good,” said senior Vincenzo Scanga. “It keeps students busy and helps incoming freshmen bond with other people.”

Scanga plans to play intramural basketball and flag football, in hopes to bring a greater sense of enjoyment to his last year at SHU. “You can make a ton of friends by playing intramural sports,” said Scanga. “It is a great way to stay active on campus.”

Senior Thomas Bellucci enjoys the sense of teamwork and collaboration that intramurals bring.

“I have countless memories playing late nights on campus field after a long day of classes, having fun and making crazy plays with some of my closest friends,” said Bellucci. “I will assuredly miss playing intramural sports.”

Intramural basketball games began on Wednesday, Sept. 18 in the gym at the Valentine Health and Recreation Center. Regular season games will be played every Wednesday night and will run until Nov. 6.

Soccer games started on Thursday, Sept. 19 at Park Avenue Field. Games are played every Thursday night, and the regular season ends on Nov. 7.

Flag football will be played in two different leagues for the semester. One league started on Tuesday, Sept. 17 and the other on Sunday, Sept. 22.

8 | Editorial

EDITOR IN CHIEF MADISON BEEKMAN 2025 MANAGING EDITOR: CONTENT VALENTINA MASSONI 2025

The Sacred Heart Spectrum

Editorial

September 25, 2024

This Week in History: 09/25:

1789: Congress adopts 12 amendments to the Constitution and sends them to the states for approval.

1931: Barbara Walters is born.

1968: Will Smith is born.

1981: Sandra Day O’Connor is sworn in as the first female Supreme Court justice.

MANAGING EDITOR: ADMINISTRATION MOLLY BRUTON 2025 COPY EDITORS COLLIN MOURA 2025 GEORGE TRIEBENBACHER 2026 NEWS EDITORS LAUREN KEHRLE 2025 ASST. NEWS EDITOR GEORGE TRIEBENBACHER 2026 FEATURES EDITOR MOIRA STAPLES 2026 ASST. FEATURES EDITOR SARA HASENEY 2026

09/26:

1777: The British seize Philadelphia.

1960: The first televised presidential debate airs between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy.

1961: Bob Dylan makes his singing debut at 19.

1969: “Abbey Road” is released. It is the Beatles’ last album.

09/27: 09/28:

1920: Eight White Sox players are charged for fixing the 1919 World Series.

09/29: 09/30:

1493: Christopher Columbus leaves Spain on his second journey to the new world.

1789: Congress votes to create a U.S. Army.

1927: Babe Ruth hits his 60th home run.

1935: Johnny Mathis is born.

1972: Roberto Clemente hits his 3000th and final hit of his career.

10/01:

1908: The Model T is put on the market by Henry Ford. Selling for $825 each, it was the first

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR JESSICA BALOGH 2025 ASST. ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR ISABELLA GENERAZO 2026 SPORTS EDITORS MARISA MUSACCHIO 2025 SHANNON TUTTLE 2026 ASST. SPORTS EDITORS JOHN HEINZE 2025 COLLIN MACLEOD 2027 CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR COLLIN MOURA 2025 ASST. CAMPUS LIFE EDITOR EMMA RICOTTA 2026 PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS DANIELLA BALDINO 2024 ALLY FABBO 2025

1924: U.S. Army planes land in Seattle completing the first around the world flight over 175 days.

ASST. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITORS JAKE WALSH 2025 JORDAN DORSEY 2026 PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER SAM MARANO 2025 ASST. PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER LAURYN ENGLISH 2025 WEB MANAGER RYAN TASHMAN 2025 ASST. WEB MANAGER JACK CAVICCHI 2027 GRAPHICS EDITORS RYAN TASHMAN 2025

mass-produced car on the market.

1971: Walt Disney World opens in Orlando, Florida.

1975: Muhammad Ali defeats Joe Frazier in the “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match.

1982: The first compact disc is released by Sony.

ALLY FABBO 2025 AD SALES/FINANCE MANAGER CHRIS HORVATH 2027 CIRCULATION MANAGER ERIN PELLEGRINI 2026 FACULTY ADVISOR PROF. JOANNE KABAK

All photos from AP Newsroom